- Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt attend the Venice Film Festival
At the Venice Film Festival, they will return earlier this time, taking boat rides through Venetian waterways with their children and expressing affection at a gathering. Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are set to return to the film festival, starting on August 28. They'll be attending with their own films and will likely steer clear of each other as much as possible.
Outside of this personal matter, the Venice Film Festival is filled with excitement this year. Among the 21 contenders for the prestigious award, the Golden Lion, are star-studded films and promising indie cinema.
Lady Gaga and Joaquin Phoenix present "Joker 2"
Director Todd Phillips brings us the sequel to his hit thriller "Joker". Joaquin Phoenix, who won an Oscar for his role in 2020, returns to star. This time, he's joined by Lady Gaga. "Joker: Madness in Pairs" follows the story of Arthur Fleck, the Joker character, awaiting trial for his crimes in a mental hospital. There, he meets his true love, Harley Quinn (Gaga).
"Joker" earned the Golden Lion in 2019. This year, the new film by "Call Me By Your Name" director Luca Guadagnino, "Queer", is also in the running. Adapted from a William S. Burroughs story, it follows a queer, drug-addicted man (played by Daniel Craig).
Nicole Kidman and a Scandalous Affair
Intriguing is the work of Dutch director Halina Reijn. In "Babygirl", she tells the story of a businesswoman who embarks on an affair with a young intern. Nicole Kidman takes on the leading role, while Harris Dickinson ("Triangle of Sadness") portrays the intern and Antonio Banderas plays the betrayed husband.
Also in competition is the first English-language film by Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar. The drama "The Room Next Door" tells the story of two friends, played by acting greats Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton.
Upon returning to Venice, Jolie's film will also be in competition. In the biopic "Maria" by Pablo Larraín, she portrays Maria Callas. This is Jolie's first major film role in a while, making fans eager for this premiere. Larraín, who often shows at Venice, is directing "Maria", focusing on Callas' later years in 1970s Paris.
Three days separate Pitt and Jolie's premieres
Pitt's film is not part of the competition. In the action comedy "Wolves" by Jon Watts, he stars alongside his longtime friend George Clooney. Jolie's premiere is scheduled for August 29, while Pitt and Clooney are anticipated on September 1.
Since their last public appearance at the film festival in 2007, there has been a divorce and ongoing legal battles. Once known as Hollywood's ultimate power couple, they met on the set of "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" and married in 2014.
In the autumn of 2016, their marriage ended. Jolie filed for divorce, alleging physical abuse towards her and their children by Pitt. Legal disputes over custody and finances ensued.
In Venice, the focus should be on the best films. The decision for the Golden Lion rests with a nine-member jury led by French actress Isabelle Huppert. German director Julia von Heinz ("Und morgen die ganze Welt") is also a part of the jury.
Maischberger Presents "Riefenstahl" Film
Germany is represented with 17 co-productions in various sections of the festival. Out of competition is the doc "Riefenstahl" by Stuttgart-born director Andres Veiel. Produced by Sandra Maischberger, the film delves into the estate of Leni Riefenstahl, the filmmaker known for Nazi propaganda films like "Triumph of the Will".
Another film about German history also premieres. "September 5" by Swiss director Tim Fehlbaum tells the story of the 1972 Munich Olympics hostage crisis from the perspective of a TV crew. Leonie Benesch ("The Teacher's Room") is featured in a prominent role. The film screens during a sidebar event.
Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, and Kevin Costner are expected to attend
The film festival concludes on September 7. It opens with "Beetlejuice 2" by Tim Burton, who has reunited with Winona Ryder and Michael Keaton for the sequel. Fans have eagerly awaited this cult horror comedy's follow-up for 36 years.
Another Hollywood legend is coming to Venice: Kevin Costner is premiering the second installment of his Western saga "Horizon". He debuted the first part in Cannes in May, receiving mixed reviews from critics. Costner promises that the second part is even better. Film enthusiasts can now see if he's right in Venice.
Despite their personal issues, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are both set to make a return to the Venice Film Festival, showcasing their individual films. Pitt will star in the action comedy "Wolves" alongside George Clooney, three days after Jolie premieres her biopic "Maria" as Maria Callas.
